Yuma mayor encourages locals to seek employment following pandemic
Many employers having a tough time finding new workers - CBS 13's Cody Lee reports
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - On Thursday, Gov. Doug Ducey (R-AZ) announced a new push to get Arizonans back to work, it includes up to a two-thousand dollar bonus and other financial support.
Mayor Doug Nicholls reacting to the governor's initiative Friday. He's hoping this will encourage people to help rebuild Yuma's economy.
“We need to look to the future, we can't be stuck in 2020. We need to look to 2021, 2022, and how are we going to adapt and change, but move forward, we can't stay stalled,” Mayor Nicholls said.
The mayor tells 13 On Your Side's Cody Lee he’s connected with several businesses. Most of them say they are struggling with their workforce.
“There’s a lot of business owners I've talked to that are frustrated, they're trying to hire people, and they just don't have the response they need. One hotel, looking to hire 100 people, eight people showed up. So, to keep our economy rolling and the things that we do as a community, we need to have people that are willing to work,” the mayor explained.
Some businesses even pushing back expansion plans due to the lack of employees.
“I know businesses that were looking to expand services have had to put those plans on hold or even cut back a little bit more. Those that really need to have consistent workforce. People will hire on and then a couple days later leave,” he added.
He recognizes some people may still be worried about going back to work following the pandemic, but with the vaccine and new guidance from the CDC, he says people can now have peace of mind.
“For over a year we've been really trying to change the way we do things and that instituted some fear in some people. And so, you know, if they haven't gotten a vaccine and that would make them feel better that opportunity is still out there,” he assured.
Mayor Nicholls says he understands there could be a transition period, however, with the benefits you could be eligible for, you’re able to get on the right track for the future.
